Overnight robberies in Christchurch 'shocking state of affairs'

Armed robbery at the Challenge Fuel Station on Opawa Road in Christchurch.

Three teens have been arrested for an overnight robbery at a petrol station.

It was 3.45am. Inside the Christchurch Challenge station the man behind the counter was reading the paper.

The door opened and three masked men burst inside, wielding hammers and screwdrivers. They wanted tobacco and whatever cash they could grab; the helpless employee was backed into a corner, he had his hands up and barely moving as the trio rushed to complete their heist.

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They wore an assortment of disguises, including an ice-hockey mask and a clown mask.

CCTV caught the terrifying raid, one of a growing number happening around New Zealand.

Police confirmed on Tuesday night that all three people involved in the robbery at Challenge Opawa had been arrested.

Three teenagers were charged with aggravated robbery and would go before the Youth Court.

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Masked youths robbed Challenge Opawa on Tuesday morning.

The stolen property had been recovered and Police were not seeking anyone else in connection to the crime.

More than $5000 of tobacco products were stolen from the petrol station, on Opawa Rd, along with $300 cash, a staff member said.

"I'm still adding up exactly how much what they took was worth," she said.

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The thieves made off with $5000 worth of tobacco products and $300 cash.

Customs said the issue of illegally manufactured or smuggled tobacco was "not a significant problem", but police believed the black market was fuelling armed robberies and burglaries as criminal targeted dairies to steal tobacco products for resale.